We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

Bergen hills, harbours & historic streets

There's more to Norway than fjords. Bergen is a city of natural beauty and colorful history.

Print now

Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4.1 miles

Duration: 1-3 hours

Family Friendly

Overview :
Bergen is a walker's gem - small enough to get around easily on foot, large enough to be interesting and old enough to be able to... more » transport you to other eras.

It also helps from the scenic perspective when such a place is built around a harbour at the foot of a mountain.

As the hometown of Edvard Grieg, arguably the world's greatest Romantic period composer, Norway's second city attracts visitors to its numerous music and cultural events each summer but it's the kind of place where just walking the streets is pure joy. Having a destination or 'attraction' to visit doesn't really matter.

This trail tries to capture that spirit - starting at a harbour-side market, delving into ancient alleys, taking a funicular up a mountain and walking down again through forest and the cobbled streets of historic districts. It's about the experience - not the destination. less «

Tips:
Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries to visit, but you can save considerably by getting an apartment with a kitchen.... more » Restaurants aren't cheap so make use of the local fish market. Skuteviken and nearby neighborhoods would be brilliant places to stay, but try to book early as possible if you are coming in summer.

Bergen gets a lot of rain at any time of the year. Pack the waterproof coat. less «

Points of Interest

The market or 'Torget' (as it's known locally) is open most days of the year. Fishmongers have been selling here since herrings were unloaded from wooden sail ships in the adjacent harbour.

These days the harbour is filled with large pleasure craft preparing for the fjords, but you can still buy herrings and just about any other fish or... More crustacean you are likely to recognise.

If you can't identify large chunks of dark meat, they are likely to be Minke whale. Norway doesn't recognise the international hunting bans, and Minke flesh is a regular at markets and on restaurant menus. If you decide to try out of curiosity, expect disappointment - whale is a very fatty meat that gets cooked to death to rid it of the blubbery taste. If it gets served to you in a restaurant, it will likely be smothered with with a sauce to try to rehydrate it.

The modern market has expanded beyond fish, and there are a few other controversial items to be found on the souvenir stalls. I saw wolf, seal and arctic fox pelts among the usual cheap tat. Walk on by.Less

2. Bryggen

The Bryggen is a collection of wooden merchant buildings lining the north side of Bergen's harbour. They got a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Listing about 30 years ago but their importance dates back to the late Middle Ages.

The first commercial buildings were constructed here in 1360 by German merchants of the Hanseatic League (an early kind... More of international economic bloc that successfully established trade monopolies). These guys took their business seriously - one of the conditions for setting up shop here was a vow of celibacy!

Over the centuries, fires have destroyed all the original buildings, but some of the current line-up date back to the early 1700s (and some were built in the old style in the 1950s). Most are still used for commerce such as retail shops and restaurants.

As beautiful as they are from the front, things get more interesting as you squeeze down the narrow alleys in between the buildings and into the courtyards behind. An attempt has been made to maintain a feel of yesteryear in these areas and the shops focus more on antiques and crafts than souvenirs. If you get right into the history, there is a Hanseatic Museum in one of the trade buildings.Less

3. Floibanen Funicular

From the Bryggen, the trail winds uphill to the Floibanen Funicular that takes you to Bergen's ultimate vantage point, Mount Floyen. You can walk up if you prefer. It's a steep 320m ascent. I suggest funicular up and walk down.

Once at the top, you have views over the city, the harbour and the islands beyond. There is a restaurant/cafe/bar here as well.

If you wanted to spend an entire day walking, there are a number of trails heading out across the mountaintop from here, but this one is about enjoying the city rather than the country.

5. Trail down Mount Floyen

Again, you have a number of trail options just heading back to the city but this one takes advantage of the most picturesque Nordic forested switchbacks (and sightings of the occasional troll).

6. Historic streets of Skuteviken

As you emerge from the forest trail, you pass through a thin layer of hillside communities and then quickly back into the residential areas surrounding central Bergen.

The trail will take you through some of the older districts of the city towards the suburb of Skuteviken on the waters edge north of the main harbour. The streets here are often... More cobbled, always narrow and pedestrian-friendly. Bergen's population is only 260,000 and traffic prefers to stick to the main thoroughfares. You would only drive into this tangled grid of residential streets if you lived here.

The wooden houses, cafes and shops lining the streets and alleys of Skuteviken are well-preserved and mostly painted white as if complying with some neighborhood custom (or more likely a heritage bylaw). This is a place to just meander and search for a cafe after the mountain descent.

When you reach the water, you'll notice more Bryggen-like trade houses. Veer left and cut through the park to wander back up the main harbour to where you started.Less

Bergen hills, harbours & historic streets

Reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, holiday rentals, travel packages, and more so you can plan and book your perfect trip!

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.